Never settle! In my opinion, if you settle that means you are compromising yourself and what you're looking for in a partner. I know it can be tough. I have spent many nights alone wanting to have someone to be there to talk, touch, kiss... etc etc etc. But at what cost? I settled way too many times and ended up compromising who I was, what I believed in and ended up giving way to much of myself to people who didn't appreciate it. Don't get me wrong, we all have to compromise in any type of relationship. But when you find someone who has the same goals and aspirations in their life as you do it will be worth it because you will be working together to achieve them. For what it's worth, that is my two cents.